Behavioral Health Technician

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED (Required)

Work Experience

• 2 - 3 years Behavioral Health Experience (Preferred)
• ONE of the following:
  • At least two years of course work in psychology, sociology, or other mental health related field.
  • At least one year of course work in nursing with a strong interest in behavioral health.
  • At least one year of experience working in a behavioral health setting, preferably inpatient.
  • At least one year of experience working in corrections, military, security or law enforcement (may include police or security officer experience) (Required)

Licenses and Certifications

Required Certifications/Licensures:

• Basic Life Support (BLS)
• Phoebe's Crisis Response Training within two months of hire date

Preferred Certifications/Licensures:

• Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
• Mental Health Technician Certification
• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
• Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST)

Essential Functions

BH TECH RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Give care and address questions concerns from patients as needed or alert qualified nurse.
• When necessary, assists with a.m. and p.m. care such as:
  • showering
  • shampooing hair
  • oral care
  • shaving
  • nail care
• Take and record vital signs.
• Give bedpans, urinals, assist patients to commode or bathroom.
• Measure and record intake and output.
• Collect specimens (urine, stool, blood) and send/take them to lab.
• Ambulate patients; exercise, reposition patients, assist patients in and out of chairs and wheelchairs.
• Transport patients to other areas.
• Perform simple treatments and tests as ordered such as:
  • apply and change unsterile pads
  • dressings
  • hot/cold compresses
  • packs
  • apply ointments
• Keep patients clean, dry, comfortable, and check safety equipment at regular intervals.
• Checks for contraband and monitors all things necessary for psychiatric safety.
• Performs environment safety rounds.
• Keep patient rooms neat, clean, orderly.
• Change beds; provide clean linens as often as necessary.
• Replenish patient supplies.
• Perform emergency housekeeping.
• Run errands for patients and staff.
• Clean unit kitchen, utility room, storage areas as directed.
• Dispose of soiled linens and waste.
• Store supplies and linens, check for defects and outdating.
• Prepare patients for meals, assist with meals, monitor during meals, assist with menu selection and documentation of percentages consumed.
• Pass other nourishments throughout the shift.
• Perform admission and discharge duties as directed such as:
  • searches of person and belongings
  • inventory of belongings
  • appropriate storage of belongings
• Will escort patients when discharged or transferred.
• Will also accompany patients to other areas of the facility for necessary procedures.
• When necessary, perform 1:1 monitoring.
• Will perform groups such as goals group, wrap-up groups and various other groups.
• Observe patients (physical appearance, attitude, response to medications and treatments, appetite, etc.), record observations and alert nurse to significant observations.
• Assist nurse in preparing body after death.

DOCUMENTATION:

• Documents and submits required information and data in a timely fashion.
• Clearly and accurately documents patient interactions.
• Ensures that documentation is tailored to expected readers/users.
• Uses correct terminology.
• Conforms to required style and format.

Additional Duties

• Adheres to the hospital and departmental attendance and punctuality guidelines.
• Performs all job responsibilities in alignment with the core values, mission and vision of the organization.
• Performs other duties as required and completes all job functions as per departmental policies and procedures.
• Maintains current knowledge in present areas of responsibility (i.e., self-education, attends ongoing educational programs).
• Attends staff meetings and completes mandatory in-services and requirements and competency evaluations on time.
• Demonstrates competency at all levels in providing care to all patients based on age, sex, weight, and demonstrated needs.
• For non-clinical areas, has attended training and demonstrates usage of age-specific customer service skills.
• Wears protective clothing and equipment as appropriate.